LIBRARY RESOURCES & BLOG
This area is filled with how-to articles, engaging conversations, and tons of examples of Catalytic Thinking in Action including actual planning sessions. Much to explore and learn from!
There is a house for sale in my neighborhood. The realtor is an old friend. I walk past his sign every day, think of Jim, and smile. On my walk this morning, the wind had knocked the hanging sign off its hooks. I stopped, re-hung it, and walked on. Instantly, I wondered, “If that wasn’t … Read more
In March/April, Creating the Future will celebrate its 3 year anniversary! 3 years since our first official immersion course. 3 years since the thought frameworks that have become Creating the Future’s vision, mission & values began spreading into communities and making a bigger and bigger difference. 3 years since the publication of The Pollyanna Principles. … Read more
Philanthropy may be defined ideally as “love of humanity,” but philanthropy as we know it is a perfect microcosm of our modern American capitalist economy: There is fierce competition for scarce resources (“This rejection of your proposal is not a reflection of the worthiness of your project.”). A person’s worth is determined by their wealth … Read more
We humans are such funny creatures. It is amazing how often an opportunity is staring us right in the face and we don’t even see it. That’s what happened as I began following up on an action item from Creating the Future’s last board meeting. The board had discussed the need for a recording secretary … Read more
What is the path of your life, that has brought you to the work you do? And what are your dreams for the future of your community? Every time I begin a training or facilitation or even sometimes a keynote address, I ask people to turn to their neighbor and spend a few moments asking … Read more
A team of professionals has gathered to help Save the Dogs decide which payroll firm to hire. Maria has suggested Firm A – she has had great experience working with them. On the other hand, Suzanne speaks from her years of experience as an accountant who works with payroll firms, “Keep working with the firm … Read more
What are we really asking when we ask for donations? This question has arisen as Creating the Future is rethinking everything about how community health and vibrance is supported and sustained. This is not an academic exercise for us. The question arises as a result of rethinking what philanthropy looks like if it reflects its … Read more
At the risk of sounding like the father in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the roots of the word “Philanthropy” come from the ancient Greek. “Philanthropy etymologically means ‘the love of humanity’ – love in the sense of caring for, nourishing, developing, or enhancing; humanity in the sense of ‘what it is to be human,’ … Read more
For almost three years, Creating the Future has been teaching consultants and workshop leaders how to reframe their thinking, to help their clients create a healthy, vibrant future for their communities. As we begin expanding our programs, it’s clear we are going to need additional teachers who are qualified to teach those courses. Which means … Read more
We’ve all seen it happen – an individual or organization in desperate shape, entirely out of options, when a seeming miracle occurs. A check in the mail. An invitation to speak. A long-forgotten friend calling to say, “I’ve been thinking about you.” We hear all sorts of explanations. The universe conspiring on our behalf. God’s … Read more